On January 21, 2026, San Francisco celebrated the official swearing-in of Derrick Lew as the new chief of the San Francisco Police Department.
WATCH the Swearing-in Ceremony of SFPD Chief Derrick Lew
In a packed City Hall ceremony, the 22-year police veteran took the oath of office before hundreds of officers and city leaders, pledging his unwavering commitment to public safety and community trust. It drew significant civic leadership, including Mayor Daniel Lurie, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, state Senator Scott Wiener, and state Controller Malia Cohen.
Chief Lew made his priorities clear from the start, emphasizing that public safety forms the foundation for everything else the city aspires to achieve: schools, businesses, and quality of life: “Crime will not be tolerated in San Francisco. Anyone who commits violence here will be arrested and held accountable. This is our promise.”
Proven Track Record on Public Safety
Chief Lew’s appointment by Mayor Lurie in December marks a significant moment for the San Francisco Police Department. The 22-year SFPD veteran brings substantial experience in tackling the city’s most urgent public safety challenges, particularly open-air drug markets.
Most recently, Chief Lew led the SFPD’s Drug Market Agency Coordination Center, coordinating enforcement operations against organized drug dealing in San Francisco’s neighborhoods. This role demonstrated his ability to build effective inter-agency partnerships and execute strategic interventions.
Mayor Lurie highlighted this expertise: “With the chief’s experience running the city’s efforts to squash drug markets, he’s the right man at the right time.”
Before leading the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center, Chief Lew served as captain of the Ingleside Station and worked through the department’s ranks at Ingleside, Bayview, and Mission stations. He also served in the Investigations Bureau and earned a medal of valor for his role in a critical shooting incident where his partner was fatally wounded.
Vision for Partnership and Innovation
Chief Lew’s leadership platform focuses on four key pillars: community relationship-building, continued drug market enforcement, expanded officer recruitment, and the integration of advanced technology into police operations.
“The future of our city has never been brighter, but we know that none of this can happen without public safety,” he stated.
This forward-thinking approach aligns with recent SFPD innovations.
The department’s upgraded Real-Time Investigation Center, which opened in 2025, exemplifies the kind of technology-enabled public safety infrastructure that enhances officer effectiveness, reduces dangerous pursuits, and protects communities.
“The San Francisco Police Community Foundation is thrilled to welcome Chief Derrick Lew to this critical leadership role,” said Executive Director Ixchel Acosta. “His proven track record tackling San Francisco’s most pressing public safety challenges, combined with his deep commitment to building community trust, makes him exactly the leader our city needs. We look forward to partnering with Chief Lew as we continue advancing initiatives that keep our neighborhoods safe while strengthening the bond between police and the communities they serve.”
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